Ingredients
To prepare stuffed bell peppers with quinoa, gather the following ingredients:
- Bell Peppers: 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- Quinoa: 1 cup, rinsed
- Water or Vegetable Broth: 2 cups
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, diced
- Black Beans: 1 cup, cooked or canned, drained and rinsed
- Corn: 1 cup, fresh or frozen
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Lime Juice: from 1 lime
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional)
- Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (optional for topping)
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your stuffed bell peppers with quinoa:
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, cooked quinoa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously.
- If desired, top with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Peppers:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your healthy and colorful stuffed bell peppers!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 12